Predictions - October 20

Southwestern Oklahoma at Northeastern State - Not exactly a headliner, but its on the schedule. Bulldog defense has to be happy this week, after facing Midwestern St, Abilene Christian, Tarleton State and Southeastern Oklahoma 4 of the last 5 weeks. The pass defense should get a break, with NSU only averaging 118 passing and 231 total yards on offense. SWO hasn't been much better averaging only 14.8 points a game vs. D2 schools not named Panhandle State. The Bulldogs should win this one 24-17.

Central Oklahoma at Southeastern Oklahoma -
The Bronchos are the only team with a shot at an undefeated LSC North run, which says alot abut the state of the LSC North. They do have a good defense, and running back Ben Birmingham has been really solid, but in a normal year, they would not stand out. Pre-season favorite Southeastern Oklahoma lost a lot more from last year's team than originally thought - they've been okay on offense, not so good on defense. If Central will let Ben Birmingham run the ball 25-30 times, then UCO should win. SEO in a close one 28-21.

Angelo State at Texas A&M-Commerce - Both of these teams need this victory to try and salvage what they can from this year. Angelo's offense has been good, racking up almost 400 yds per game, but needs to find the endzone more. Commerce has been hot and cold, but could be rebounding for a strong finish. They'll have to do a much better job containing Daniel Thomas than they did UCO's Birmingham 3 weeks ago. Thomas will get his 100 yds rushing, but the Lions will limit the damage and use a balanced offense to get closer to .500 with a 24-17 win in Commerce in front of 1,200 fans.

Tarleton State at Eastern New Mexico -
After a surprising 4-0 start, the Greyhounds are falling fast. On the flip-side, Tarleton is humming along, off to their best start in D2. Sounds like up an upset in the making, especially at Blackwater Draw. Two years ago, the Texans escaped with a 34-27 win. Tarleton is a better team this time around, more playmakers on offense, solid on defense. Last week against Midwestern State, the offense only had the ball three times in which they didn't score - a fumble, a punt and running the clock out at the end of the game. They'll beat you with special teams, whether scoring or just getting great field position. This week, they'll slow down the option running game, and control the field and win 31-17.

Texas A&M-Kingsville at Midwestern State
Midwestern State finds itself up against the wall, with 2 straight losses. If they are to have any chance at the playoffs, they will have to win out. The bad news is they still have to play Abilene to close out the season, the good news is that they were in this same position last year and got in. The offense played well against Tarleton, until the fourth quarter, with two drives, producing only 3 first downs, 46 yds and zero points. The defense only forced Tarleton to punt the ball once all night, and the special teams allowed an 87 yard punt return right before halftime allowing the Texans to take the lead into halftime. Against the Javelinas last year, 3 Mustangs rushed for over 100 yds in a 44-17 game that wasn't as close as the score. For the Javelinas to have any chance this week, they will have to shut down the Mustang's passing game without letting Polk, Chatman, and Mathis running wild, and get some turnovers and/or special teams breaks. That's a lot to ask, Mustangs 37-17.

Game of the Year #3....Thursday